# American College of Cardiology lifestyle recommendations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/american-college-of-cardiology-lifestyle-recommendations > Updated: 2026-10-15T17:55:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has released new scientific statements in the journal JACC regarding lifestyle interventions for cardiovascular health. Initial guidance emphasizes that holistic dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets, are more critical for cardiovascular health than individual nutrients or ‘superfoods.’ The ACC notes that adding healthy foods to a diet high in ultra-processed items is ineffective, advocating instead for minimally processed plant foods and high-quality proteins while limiting refined starches and added sugars. Subsequent recommendations urge physicians to prescribe physical exercise as a foundational component for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease. The ACC suggests exercise should be treated with importance comparable to managing blood pressure or cholesterol. These prescriptions should be individualized and sustainable, noting that even modest increases in activity, such as achieving 5,000 to 7,000 steps per day, can lead to clinically significant reductions in mortality. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: American College of Cardiology urges doctors to prescribe exercise for heart health The American College of Cardiology recommends prescribing personalized exercise as a primary treatment for cardiovascular disease, noting that even modest activity levels significantly reduce health risks. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-college-of-cardiology-urges-doctors-to-prescribe-exercise-for-heart-health ### 2026-10-01: American College of Cardiology emphasizes dietary patterns over superfoods The American College of Cardiology states that holistic dietary patterns, rather than individual superfoods, are essential for cardiovascular health and disease prevention. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-college-of-cardiology-emphasizes-dietary-patterns-over-superfoods --- Cite as: American College of Cardiology lifestyle recommendations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/american-college-of-cardiology-lifestyle-recommendations